The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN) have commiserated with the family of Mr Waheed Bakare, who died on Sunday evening, after a brief illness.
In separate condolence messages issued by the two bodies, Mr Bakare, Saturday Editor of one of Nigeria’s leading newspapers, New Telegraph, was said to have devoted his life to the service of Islam.
Speaking on behalf of NSCIA, Alhaji Femi Abbas described Mr Bakare as an ardent journalist of international repute.
He said, “As at the time he breathed his last on the evening of 1441AH Eid-ul-Fitr day (Sunday, May 24, 2020), the Media Ambassador, Bakare was the Saturday Editor of New Telegraph newspaper.
“His demise after a brief illness of about two weeks has come to reduce our media strength by a chunk. And now, without him on board, the train of our profession continues its journey to a port of no specific destination.
“Whenever we announce the obituary of a fellow, male or female, we hardly think of the implications of such for now or for the future.
Nigerian journalists, particularly Muslims, are an endangered professional species whose deaths entail nothing more than meer lamentations with consequential public indifference.”
According to Femi Abbas, “Like many of his colleagues, dead or alive, Waheed Bakare devoted his life to the service of Islam with little or no encouragement at all, from most concerned quarters.
“Now, in death, he left behind, not only a wife but children as well. And this is a time when journalists in private media outfits are virtually on their own in terms of salaries and other benefits. Who now cares for Bakare’s family?
“Judging by the situation and circumstances of existence, Nigeria can be described as a country in permanent war of attrition with herself. And, the main courageous warriors on the battle field are the journalists. Yet, they are not adequately equipped to fight that war. Is it a crime to be a journalist? That is a question for the Nigerian Muslim Ummah to answer.”
While wishing the family of Waheed Bakare the right fortitude with which to bear the entailed agony of his demise, NSCIA prayed to the Almighty Allah to repose the soul of the deceased in perfect eternal bliss. Amin.
MMPN
In his tribute, the National President of the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), Alhaji AbdurRahman Balogun condoled with the immediate family of the devoted Muslim journalist.
He described the deceased as a thoroughbred journalist, a devoted brother to his Deen. A family man and above all a humble and wonderful personality.
He said, “Recently, he took part in the financial contribution to the COVID-19 palliatives by a coalition of 55 Muslim groups in which MMPN is a member.
“His death coming on Sallah day is quite painful to us as a group but we are consoled that he died a believer and a committed Muslim.
“O Allah, forgive his shortcomings, have mercy on him , keep him safe and sound, honor the place where he will settle and make his entrance wide; wash him with water and snow and cleanse his sins as a white garment is cleansed of dirt.”
MMPN prayed to Allah to grant the family in particular and the Ummah in general the fortitude to bear the departure of a beloved dedicated brother.
Oh Allah make the uneasy easy for the Ummah and the entire family to bear the monumental trial of the death of a beloved one .
May Allah watch over the family he left behind and reunite us with him in Al-Janah Firdaus.
May Allah make it easy for each and every one of us to strive hard in pleasing Allah before our destined period of death.
Sponsored
May Allah forgive him and bless his family to stand up as standard bearer of Islam like him.
May Allah forgive him and grant him eternal rest in the highest rank of aljannah
Allahuma igfirlahu warhamhu
May Almighty Allah forgive him accept his return and admit him into aljanat firdaos